Irish suffer in learning process as Walker inspires England

IF THIS was a learning process for the Irish players, their coach Colin McEntee will have learned more than most of them in what was a high-skilled, highly entertaining uncapped Age Grade international at Anglesea Road yesterday.

The Irish got out of the blocks when out-half Cathal Marsh flew down the blind side to cut inside the last defender in the 16th minute for a try.

In response, England looked to loading the wider channels with their big runners. It paid dividends when, first, open side Chris Walker plunged for the line at the end of the first quarter and, second, number eight Will Skuse forced his way over from a quick tap penalty by scrum-half Dan Robson. Out-half George Ford converted for a 12-5 interval lead.